Hotchkiss Type Universal
The Hotchkiss "type Universal" is a submachine gun manufactured in France after World War II. It was originally designed as a semi-automatic police carbine, but a full automatic version was made. It fires from a closed bolt. Its most notable feature is that it folds up into a very compact package and unfolds easily and relatively quickly.
Also recorded as Hotchkiss semi-automatic
Hotchkiss Type Universal

Mohit S from Mumbai, India · Hotchkiss Universal SMG. · CC BY 2.0
- Name
- Hotchkiss Type Universal
- Field
- submachine gun
- Region
- France
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Documentary summary
The Hotchkiss "type Universal" is a submachine gun manufactured in France after World War II. It was originally designed as a semi-automatic police carbine, but a full automatic version was made. It fires from a closed bolt. Its most notable feature is that it folds up into a very compact package and unfolds easily and relatively quickly.
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wikidata · Q5911071 · wikipedia · Hotchkiss Type Universal
In this article
Overview
Overview
The semi-automatic version was exported in very limited numbers to many countries. Many were also exported to Venezuela and Morocco.

Hotchkiss Universal in violin case
Avron
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Hotchkiss Type Universal • Origin — France • Type — Submachine gun • Is Ranged — YES • Design Date — 1949 • Manufacturer — Hotchkiss et Cie • Variants — semi-automatic, full automatic • Cartridge — 9×19mm Parabellum • Caliber — 9mm • Barrels — 1 • Action — Blowback • Feed — 30/32 round box magazine • Sights — Iron
Users
Users
• France: Used by police; issued to foreign legionnaires in Indochina for field testing • Morocco • Venezuela
Conflicts
Conflicts
• Indochina War • Soviet-Afghan War
Places
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Places
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- France
References
Citations
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Broader subject
1- submachine gunTerminology
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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